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FootballWorld Cup 2026

India's Presence at the World Cup—Even Without a Team

By Admin•Published Jun 11, 2026, 11:15 AM
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India's Presence at the World Cup—Even Without a Team

The FIFA World Cup has once again captured the imagination of football fans across the globe. India is no exception. From discussions about Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé to debates about Argentina, Brazil, Germany, and France, Indian football followers are as engrossed in the tournament as anyone else.

Yet there remains a sense of frustration. Despite being one of the world's most populous nations, India has never played in a FIFA World Cup. The country came closest in 1950, when it qualified for the tournament but ultimately did not participate. Since then, the World Cup has remained out of reach.

The 2026 edition, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the largest World Cup in history. India is not among the participants—but in an interesting way, India is still represented.

Several players of Indian origin are set to feature for other nations, giving Indian fans additional stories to follow throughout the tournament.

Sarpreet Singh – New Zealand's Punjabi Connection

Among the most recognizable names is Sarpreet Singh of New Zealand.

Born in Auckland, Sarpreet's family roots trace back to Jalandhar in Punjab. The 27-year-old midfielder rose to international prominence when FC Bayern Munich signed him in 2019.

Having made his New Zealand debut in 2018, Sarpreet has become one of the country's key midfielders. After overcoming injury setbacks, he has returned to form and will be one of the Indian-origin players attracting attention during the World Cup.

Tahsin Mohammed Jamsheed – Kerala Roots, Qatar Dreams

Another fascinating story belongs to Tahsin Mohammed Jamsheed.

His parents, Jamsheed and Shaima, moved from Kannur in Kerala to Qatar in 1996. Tahsin was born in Doha on June 16, 2006, and developed through Qatar's football academies.

Now established as a speedy winger, he progressed through Qatar's youth national teams before earning a place in the senior squad. He is regarded as the first footballer of Indian origin to play in the Qatar Stars League and now has the opportunity to make history on football's biggest stage.

Nishan Velupillay – Australia's Rising Star

Australia's squad includes Nishan Velupillay, another player with Indian heritage.

Born in Melbourne on May 7, 2001, Velupillay comes from a Tamil family background. He made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut during World Cup qualifying against China and has since become a regular member of the Australian setup.

For many in the Tamil diaspora, Nishan represents a source of immense pride as he continues to establish himself at the international level.

Samuel Moutoussamy – Tamil Roots in DR Congo's Midfield

The Democratic Republic of Congo also has a player with Indian ancestry in its ranks: Samuel Moutoussamy.

Born in Paris, Samuel has a multicultural background. His mother is Congolese, while his father's family is of Indo-Guadeloupean heritage with ancestral links to the Tamil community.

Since making his debut for DR Congo in 2019, Moutoussamy has become a key figure in the national team. With more than 50 international appearances, the defensive midfielder is expected to play an important role in DR Congo's World Cup campaign.

A Different Kind of Representation

India may not yet have a team competing at the FIFA World Cup, but the presence of players with Indian roots offers a unique connection to the tournament.

Their stories span continents—from Punjab to New Zealand, Kerala to Qatar, Tamil communities in Australia, and Indian diaspora families in Europe and Africa. Each journey reflects how football and migration have intertwined across generations.

For Indian football fans, these players provide an additional reason to watch the World Cup closely. While the tricolor may not yet fly on the field, traces of India's heritage will still be present in stadiums across North America.

Perhaps one day India will qualify for the World Cup on its own merits. Until then, football fans can take pride in seeing players of Indian origin contributing to the game's greatest spectacle on behalf of nations around the world.